Tape Dispensers

Abstract

The various embodiments disclosed here relate to tape dispensers with components that can apply tape, including applying tape over an object such as, for example, a cord, thereby securing it on a flat surface, while simultaneously centering the object underneath the tape.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application 61/790,247, filed Mar. 15, 2013, and U.S. Provisional Application 61/621,024, filed Apr. 6, 2012, each of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The various embodiments disclosed herein relate to tape dispensers with components that can apply tape, including applying tape over an object such as, for example, a cord, thereby securing it on a flat surface, while simultaneously centering the object underneath the tape.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Bare cords (such as, for example, power cords, Ethernet cords, AV cords and the like), when placed or positioned across a floor, can be messy, get easily tangled, and/or create a tripping hazard. One solution to these problems is to hold or retain cords in place on a floor or other flat surface using tape. However, this can be a difficult task because of the challenge of positioning the cord as desired and maintaining that position while also neatly placing the tape over the cord. Existing tape dispensers are designed to place the tape, but the user is still required to manually straighten, align, and secure the cord underneath the tape while taping, usually with the other hand. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for improved tape dispenser methods, systems, and devices.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Discussed herein are various embodiments relating to a tape dispensing device comprising at least one spindle capable of supporting at least one tape roll; a tape diverter, capable of diverting tape from said tape roll; at least one handle fixedly connected to the spindle; a first adhesion element, configured to adhere tape to a surface; a cord guide configured to center a cord with respect to the tape; a first roller configured to facilitate movement across the surface; a second roller configured to facilitate movement across the surface; a cutter, for cutting the tape; and a tape retention mechanism configured to retain a strip of tape that is unrolled (or no longer attached to the tape role) but not yet adhered to a target surface and/or cord. In further embodiments, the tape dispensing device further comprises a cord tensioner. In still further embodiments, the tape dispensing device has at least one additional adhesion element. In yet further embodiments, said first adhesion element is a bristle assembly. In further embodiments, the tape dispensing device further comprises a cart, wherein the cart allows the user to push or pull the tape dispensing device in an upright position. In still further embodiments, the tape dispensing device is configured to support multiple tape rolls.

While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of one embodiment of tape dispensing device.

FIG. 2 is an image of a spindle, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of a tape diverter, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4 shows a side view of a bristle assembly, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of one embodiment of a bristle geometry.

FIG. 6 is perspective view showing the bristle assembly and the rear rollers, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a side view showing the cord path, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a tensioner, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a side view showing a handle, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a side view of the vector of force to be applied by user during operation, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a side view showing locations at which tape can be cut, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram of blades, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a possible blade path across the tape, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a possible blade path across the tape, according to another embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a tensioner, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the cart based system, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 17A is a diagram of tape overlap orientations, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 17B is a diagram is diagram of tape overlap orientations, in according to one embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a multiple tape roll system, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a side view of a further embodiment of a tape dispensing device.

FIG. 20 is a front view of a further embodiment of a tape dispensing device.

FIG. 21 is a front view showing guide rails and a guide gap, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a side view of the primary adhesion element, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a side view of a further embodiment of a tape dispensing device.

FIG. 24 is a diagram of a tape path, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a side view of one implementation of a tape dispensing device in use.

FIG. 26 is a side view of a tape roll on a spindle, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a spindle assembly, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 28A is a side view of a tape roll and a spindle assembly, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 28B is a perspective view of a tape roll and a spindle assembly, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 29 is a diagram of a cord tensioner, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 30 is a diagram of a cord tensioner, according to another embodiment.

FIG. 31 is a diagram of a cord path, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 32 is a diagram of a cord path, according to a further embodiment.

FIG. 33A is a diagram of a primary adhesion element. According to one embodiment.

FIG. 33B is a diagram of a primary adhesion element, according to another embodiment.

FIG. 33C is a diagram of a primary adhesion element, according to a further embodiment.

FIG. 33D is a diagram of a primary adhesion element, according to yet another embodiment.

FIG. 34 is diagram of an embodiment of a tape dispensing device in which wheels are the primary adhesion element.

FIG. 35 is a diagram of a spindle with a set of integrated clips, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments disclosed herein relate to tape dispensers with components that can apply tape over a prismatic object (including, for example, a prismatic cord), thereby securing it on a flat surface, while simultaneously centering the cord underneath the tape. Alternatively, the various device embodiments disclosed herein can apply tape over any object and thereby secure it to a flat surface.

While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments. As will be realized, the various embodiments are capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

As used herein, the term “cord” is intended to mean any elongate object that is configured to carry any form of power or data, including electronic data or electrical power. One example of a cord is a prismatic cord. A cord may be rigid, but should be able to be substantially straightened out. Further examples include, but are not limited to, extension cords, Ethernet cords, or other power/data carrying lines. The use of the various embodiments disclosed herein may also be extended beyond cords to pneumatic/hydraulic tubing or other elongate objects.

Centering of the cord underneath the tape refers to maintaining the cord in the approximate center of the tape. Those of ordinary skill in the art understand that variations either direction are acceptable and considered to fall within the scope of the embodiments disclosed herein. It is understood that this use of “centering of a cord” also encompasses the centering of two or more cords in spaced relationship to each other. That is, there could be situations in which it is desirable to tape or otherwise adhere to a floor or surface two or more cords or elongate objects that are positioned next to each other with some predetermined distance between them. Certain device or system embodiments described herein are intended to be used to adhere such cords to a floor or surface.

As used herein, “floor” means any flat surface to which tape can be adhered and can be a floor, ceiling, wall, or any other moderately flat surface. It is understood that this floor may have different surface finishes.

Certain embodiments of this device can apply tape of standard widths from about 1 to about 3 inches. In other embodiments, tape width is substantially wider or narrower. The width of the tape used will be dependent on the size of the cord, or cord bundle, that is targeted, and the size of the device.

Certain embodiments of this device can apply tape over cords (or bundles of cords) varying from about 0.125 to about 1 inch in diameter. In still other embodiments, tape can be applied to cords (or bundles of cords) narrower than 0.125 inches in diameter. In yet other embodiments, tape can be applied to cords (or bundles) wider than 1 inch in diameter.

The unrolling force of the tape is the force required to pull the tape from the roll. These forces vary based on the adhesive qualities of the tape, the size of the tape, and the type of backing used in the tape.

Certain embodiments of this device can be used for manual hand-held taping of cords. The device may take at least one hand to operate effectively. Hand-held embodiments may be used either through pushing or pulling the device along the cord.

In further embodiments, the device can be configured to also be used for various additional purposes such as applying tape to boxes.

Another embodiment relates to a cart mounted system. This cart allows a cord that is roughly laid out in the desired direction to be taped down as the operator pushes or pulls the cart, potentially from a standing position.

Different functionalities of the device may be activated with controls in the handle or in foot-activated switches. For instance, when the taping is completed, the cutting operation can be activated through action of the operator at a remote location from the cutting action such that the operator actuates a lever or pull-cord to actuate the cutting of the tape. In further embodiments, the system may be made to have electronic features that will allow the operator to actuate a switch or button to actuate the cutter. It is further understood that any known actuation mechanism or method can be incorporated into the various implementations contemplated here.

A further embodiment is a cart-mounted system and further comprises an onboard reel system. This reel system would spool out cord as the operator pushes or pulls the cart. The reel system in certain embodiments is properly applied with an adjustable center friction post such that the force required to unspool the cord can be changed by the operator. In certain embodiments, this friction may be adjusted through adjustment of a screw-type mechanism on the end of the reel center post. Other friction adjustment mechanisms are possible. In certain embodiments, reels that are to be used on the device are created such that the reels can be easily interchanged on the center post position. The reels may be substantially held through the ‘core’ of the reel. The core refers to the opening through the center of the reel.

In certain embodiments, the cart system is an integrated system and/or a cart that can carry the hand-held version while still performing all of the necessary actions. In this way, the operator can choose to use the cart or remove the hand-held device and use it manually on the ground. The cart with onboard reel system may have the reel system linked to a drive system in such a manner that movement of the cart relative to the floor causes the reel to unroll.

Referring now to the Figures, FIG. 1 shows an implementation wherein the device 1 centers the cord 2 under the tape 3, unrolls the tape 3 over the cord 2, and presses the tape 3 onto and around the cord 2 onto the floor 4. In certain embodiments, this is done as the device 1 is pushed forward over the bare cord 2. In alternative embodiments, the device is pulled along the cord 2.

As used herein, the term “spindle” refers to the component or components that hold the tape roll in an operating position while preventing the roll from becoming misaligned. The spindle may interface to the tape through either the core of the tape roll or the outside of the tape roll. One example of an interface through the tape roll core is shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, in which a spindle 500 having a spindle axle 501 is positioned in the core of the tape roll 100d such that the roll 100d is held in place during unrolling through the support of the spindle 500.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment wherein the spindle 16 constrains the tape roll (not shown). The tape roll is held onto the device with a spindle body 11 that passes through the center of the tape roll. The body 11, in this implementation, has clips 12 that help to secure tape roll in place. Alternatively, the body 11 can have any type of mechanism or component to help retain the roll on the spindle body 11. In a further embodiment, no clips or other mechanisms are used and the roll is held in place by friction. In further embodiments, an accompanying set of removable or attachable clips 12 can be moved into place to further secure the tape roll. In a still further embodiment, as best shown in FIG. 35, a spindle 16 is provided having a set of clips 352 integrated therein, such that the clips 352 can be closed to further secure the tape roll.

As best shown in FIG. 2, the spindle 16 rotates about an axle 13 that is fixed to a common backbone 14 with the other sections of the device. The spindle 16 is created in such a way that the inner edge of the tape, the one that is nearest to the backbone 14, is held away from the backbone by a stop plate 15 on the body 11 so as to prevent the side of the tape roll from sticking to the backbone 14 during unrolling.

In certain embodiments, external support for the roll (in contrast to the internal support provided by a spindle or the like) may be comprised of combinations of fixed and rolling supports that minimize interference during the unrolling of the tape. FIG. 28 shows an exemplary embodiment where external support is provided by external supports 502 that may be fixed or mobile and support the bottom of the roll 100d. The sides of the roll are supported by fixed supports 503 such that the tape cannot shift side to side.

Retention of the tape roll on the spindle may be achieved through multiple approaches. Examples include but are not limited to one or more of the following: friction to the core of the tape roll, friction to the exterior of the tape roll, physical barrier passed through the center and engaged, physical barrier passed around the outside of the tape roll and engaged, or fixed boundaries with gravity and unrolling forces. If the interface is a spindle positioned in the core of the tape roll, the connection may be either a friction or clearance fit or a combination of the two. As necessary, a retention feature may be actuated into place after the roll is installed on the spindle, such as, for example, the clips 12 discussed above.

With a friction interface to the exterior of the roll, any combination of fixed and rolling external supports can be spring loaded together to accommodate the shrinking outside diameter of the roll. These supports can include substantially fixed portions that keep the roll in line. In alternative embodiments, a gate (not shown) may be swung in place that provides the alignment necessary while a separate element contacting the exterior of the tape roll supports the weight of the tape roll and the unrolling forces. In a still further embodiment, the tape roll may also be dropped into a slot or trough (not shown) with fixed sides that relies on gravity and unrolling forces to keep it contained in the trough.

As a portion of tape is pulled or otherwise urged from the roll, the direction of the tape may need to be diverted. FIG. 3 shows one embodiment of a tape diverter 21 that redirects or alters the angle of the tape to an angle that is close to that of the cord over which the device is positioned. In this embodiment, the tape diverter 21 is a wheeled rolling surface or a roller. In alternative embodiments, the tape diverter is a fixed rounded surface. In further alternatives, the tape diverter can be any known mechanism or component for altering the angle of the tape.

In exemplary implementations, the device further comprises a primary-adhesion element which creates the initial contact between the tape and the cord while also applying the tape to the flat surface. This primary-adhesion element can be a fixed surface, wheels, brushes, or like materials. Contact is desired as near the cord as practical to minimize ‘tenting’ of the tape. As shown in FIG. 32, ‘tenting’ is the existence of a portion of the tape 100b that is neither adhered to the floor 100a nor adhered to the cord 100c as it is positioned over the cord 101.

Various examples of primary-adhesion elements are shown in FIGS. 33A-33D. For example, FIG. 33A depicts a primary-adhesion element 401 that is a fixed surface element 401. In this embodiment, the element 401 is a block 401 with a notch defined in the bottom surface of the block 401 as shown. In this specific implementation, the notch has a triangular shape, but other shapes are contemplated. In use, this block 401 is positioned over the tape and the cord at the point of initial contact between the tape and the cord such that the tape and cord are positioned within the notch and the notch urges the tape against the cord and the floor, thereby minimizing the tenting.

In certain embodiments, wherein the primary-adhesion element is a fixed surface, said fixed surface contains geometry of sufficient depth to enable it to contact the surface on either side of the cord.

In alternative embodiments, the primary-adhesion element is comprised of a set of two wheels positioned on either side of the cord, such as the wheels 404 positioned on either side of the cord 101 as shown in FIG. 34. Wheels refer to any set of two rotatable structures with adequate stiffness that will roll along the ground. FIGS. 33C and 33D show exemplary embodiments of the individual wheels that can be part of the two wheel set: FIG. 33C depicts a wheel 403 having an external surface that is rounded along its circumference, while FIG. 33D depicts a wheel 404 having an external surface that is flat along the circumference. In certain embodiments, the diameter of the wheels can vary effectively from about 0.125 to about 3 inches depending on the target cord diameter. The two wheels are positioned next to each other on the device such that the cord is positioned between the two. The spacing between the wheels is such that a large diameter cord, or bundle or cords, with a diameter of about 0.625 inches can fit between the wheels while allowing for the wheels to apply the tape to the ground. The spacing between the wheels acts as another guide for maintaining the position of the cord as it is passed through the device. The effect of the wheels on the tape is illustrated in FIG. 34. The flat profile wheels 404 press the tape onto the floor to create two areas of tape 100a adhered to the floor.

FIG. 4 shows a still further embodiment wherein the primary-adhesion element is a brush assembly 31. As a portion of the tape is positioned in close proximity to the cord after passing through the tape diverter 21, the tape is adhered to the cord and to the floor via a brush 31 that is made up of a compliant set of bristles 31. Bristles need to be stiff enough to apply ample pressure to the tape to ensure adhesion of the tape to the cord and the floor.

FIG. 5 depicts one embodiment of the brush 31 in which the set of bristles 31 are arranged in a triangular pattern with the peak centered on the tape and pointing towards the front of the device where the cord enters. The triangular pattern 32 improves the taping of the cord as the tape is adhered to the cord and then around the sides, finally to the ground. The front point of the triangle, 33, is pointed towards the front of the device. Alternatively, non-triangular bristle geometries could also be used. Alternatives to the brush include any structure that is appropriately compliant to form around the shape of the cord while maintaining pressure on the floor around the sides of the cord, thereby enhancing adherence of the tape to the cord and the floor while minimizing tenting.

FIG. 6 shows a further implementation of a tape dispensing device 40 wherein the device 40 further comprises a set of rear rollers 41 located immediately behind the brush assembly 31. The rear rollers 41 are capable of multiple functions. In certain embodiments, the rear rollers 41 maintain a centered position for the rear of the device over the cord that is now under the tape. This may be achieved through passing the taped cord through the gap 42 between the rear rollers 41. In still further embodiments, the rear rollers 41 roll along the ground during operation to maintain a consistent spacing between the brush assembly 31 and the ground.

In yet further embodiments, the rear rollers 41 in FIG. 6 may contribute to the adhesion function of the brush assembly 31. In such implementations, the rear rollers 41 constitute a secondary-adhesion element 41. This secondary-adhesion element 41 applies pressure over the tape to adhere any regions that were left unattached through the primary-adhesion element 31. Alternatively, other known mechanisms can be used as secondary-adhesion elements. The secondary-adhesion element can be made of similar materials and with similar methods as the primary-adhesion element. Depending on the component make-up of the primary adhesion element, the secondary-adhesion element may be an integral extension of the primary-adhesion element rather than another independent portion.

In certain alternative implementations as best shown in FIG. 8, the device 40 can also have a set of front rollers 51 that act as the complimentary structure to the rear rollers 41 and help to maintain the position of the device 40 relative to the ground. The front rollers 51 also help to center the cord (not shown) as it enters the front of the device. In certain embodiments, centering is achieved in the same fashion as with the rear rollers 41 in that the cord, not covered in tape in this case, passes through the gap 52 between the two front rollers 51.

As best shown in FIGS. 20 and 29, in certain implementations, the device further comprises a cord guide 900 through which the cord is positioned such that the guide 900 positions the cord in the center of the device. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 29, the cord guide 900 further comprises guide rails 901. The spacing between the guide rails 901 is such that the largest cord (or bundle) can slide through. The leading edge of the cord guide rails 901 can either be flared out as shown in FIG. 2 or end parallel to the direction of travel. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20 (which depicts the underside of a tape dispenser, according to one embodiment), the flare 900 can exist in various levels of severity. In some embodiments, a top boundary is be added to the cord guide 900 to further limit the opportunities for the cord to jump out of the guide 900. In alternative embodiments, the cord guide is comprised of wheels or rails that are able to accept a cord along its long axis. The cord guide can extend from near the primary-adhesion element to the outer extent of the leading edge of the device. As can be appreciated from FIG. 29, the distance to the primary-adhesion element from the outlet of the guide rails 901 is related to the deviation from center that the cord can experience. In certain embodiments, minimizing this gap 902 between the primary-adhesion element (not shown) and the guide rails 901 is preferred.

In certain embodiments, as best shown in FIGS. 30, 31, and 8, the device further comprises a tensioner for providing tension to the cord. In some embodiments, the tensioner is in front of the primary-adhesion element (untaped side) that creates tension in the cord as it is passed over. Tension in the cord causes it to stay better centered under the tape.

In some embodiments, tension may be created by passing the cord through a material such as foam, or like material, that will apply friction to the exterior of the cable. An example of a tensioner made of foam is shown in FIG. 30 with a foam block tensioner 300. In this embodiment, a pass-through 302 is defined in the block 300 with a slit 301 extending from the pass-through 302 to an external edge of the block 300. The cord can be positioned through the slit into the pass-through 302. The pass-through 302 is adequately sized to provide sliding friction on the exterior of the cord as it is pulled through the pass-through 302.

Alternatively, as best shown in FIG. 31, if the cord is flexible, the cord can be tensioned by using the stiffness of the cord to create friction by bending it around a fixed points on the device. The tensioning is due to the bending forces and resultant friction. In FIG. 31, the cord 101 is weaved through rigid posts 303. This weaving combined with the properties of the cord create the necessary tensioning.

FIG. 8 shows a further embodiment of a tensioner 53. In this embodiment, the tensioner 53 is a tensioning roller 53 that constrains a cord on its sides and bottom, while working in cooperation with the front roller 51, which constrains the top and sides of the cord. The tensioner 53 can be used to more securely capture and center any cord. This is useful when dealing with several small cords such as Ethernet or other data lines as well as when working with softer power cords that are not laid out in the correct path. FIG. 7 shows one implementation where the cord path 54 travels over the tensioning roller 53 and under the front rollers 31. The cord path 54 can also aid in the quality of the taping since it adds tension to the cord, helping to straighten it out. When this type of tensioning system is used, it relies on the stiffness of the cord to provide resistance as it curves around the cord path 54. Alternatively, the cord could go under the tensioner 53 and over the front rollers 51.

In certain embodiments as best shown in FIG. 9, the device can also have a handle. The handle is designed to receive the operators hand(s) for proper use. According to some implementations, there may be one or more handles on the device to allow for different hand configurations based on the task. In further embodiments, the handle may have built-in controls that allow for operation of the different functions of the device without the need for the user to release her grip. In still further embodiments, an extended handle with any/all associated features can be added to a handheld embodiment (in contrast to a cart embodiment as discussed elsewhere herein).

In FIG. 9, the handle of the device 60 can be set at an angle such that the operator's wrist is positioned in a comfortable position during the usage of the device. Alternatively, any known angle for the handle can be used. According to one implementation, the force vector A, as best shown in FIG. 10, produced by the operator passes between the front rollers 53 and the rear rollers 41. Applying the force vector 61 to the device keeps both sets of rollers 53, 41 on the floor and helps to prevent the operator from tipping the device onto the front rollers 53. Alternatively, any known force vector that can cause the device to move as desired can be used. In still further embodiments, additional structure(s) may provide the operator more support such that the risk of tipping forward is lessened. In certain embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 9, the profile of the handle 60 is such that it is equally able to be used with the left or right hand. In still further embodiments, the profile can be further padded such that the operator's grip is cushioned.

Separation of the tape or “tape separation” refers to the act of splitting the tape apart. It may be referred to more generally as “cutting.” This action may be performed through any combination of one or more of the following methods: cutting, ripping, or tearing. Further methods of separating the tape will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. In certain embodiments, separating of the tape can be further aided by a clamping structure on the device that helps prevent bunching or further misalignment of the tape due to the action of separation.

In certain implementations as best shown in FIGS. 12-14, the device can also have a cutting element. As will be discussed in further detail below, there are multiple ways the cutting element can be implemented. These include, but are not limited to: 1) fixed or mobile serrated blades, such as that found on mailing tape dispenser cutters; 2) shear based systems, similar to scissors; or 3) mobile flat blades that move laterally across the tape, such as the action of a letter opener. These cutting elements can be actuated into position for either safety or activation reasons, or both. This actuation can be achieved through either repositioning of the device relative to the ground (tipping the device in a unique way that engages the tape to the blade), causing the blade to be exposed through trigger activation, or any other method for causing the blade to become exposed. This exposure of the blade can either cause the blade to be in a position for cutting or/and position it for another action to cut it. Furthermore, actuation of the blade can be similar to scissors such that actuation actually causes the cutting. The actuated portion is a non-blade fixture that carries the tape to the fixed blade.

In certain embodiments, the cutting element of the device can be made up of moving or fixed blades. In certain embodiments, the blade is comprised of at least one sharpened surface that can adequately cut through the tape. In one implementation, illustrated in FIG. 12, the blade 71 can have a sharpened edge that is a straight edge 71 or the blade 72 can have a sharpened edge that is a jagged edge 72, or any combination of the two.

As shown in FIG. 13, a moving blade refers to a blade that is translated laterally across the width of the tape in the direction shown by arrow B. Alternatively, in FIG. 14 a blade is actuated normal to the surface of the tape in the direction shown by arrow C. In further embodiments, a blade is translated in some combination of lateral and normal directions with respect to the tape.

The cutting of the tape can happen in a variety of locations. In some embodiments, tape can be cut while still on the roll. In certain embodiments, tape could be cut before the brush assembly. In still other embodiments, tape could be cut after the rear roller. Additional cutting points along the tape path, such as between the brush assembly and the rear roller can also be seen as extensions of the same intent. Other embodiments are possible.

In certain embodiments, a clamping system (not shown) can be used to hold or otherwise retain the tape in a fixed position to allow for a clean separation. This clamp (not shown) does not significantly contact the adhesive surface such that it does not maintain significant adhesion after the clamp is retracted. In certain implementations, upon adhesion of the tape to the clamp after separation, the actions of the user may be eased through the introduction of geometries that provide easy access to removal of the tape from the clamp.

In certain alternative embodiments, when the tape is cut while on the roll, the top layer of tape is either cut through for the actual separation, or it is simply scored to make the manual separation of the tape much easier. In some embodiments, the position for cutting the tape is after it is off the roll and before the brushes.

In preferred implementations such as that shown in FIG. 22, the device further comprises a tape retention mechanism 800 that retains a strip of unrolled tape after the end is cut or after a new tape roll is installed. In some embodiments, the retention mechanism 800 is primarily composed of two portions, the retention feature and the retention finger. The retention feature 800 can be either fixed or free to rotate. The retention feature 800 may be rounded or flat or some combination of round and flat. The profile of the feature may either be a single diameter or be shaped with varying diameters. Additionally, the retention feature may also function as the tape diversion roller in some embodiments.

In certain embodiments, the retention finger is spring loaded with an edge against the retention feature. The adhesive side of the tape runs across the edge of the finger. The edge should be adequately small to prevent significant adhesion between the finger and the tape. The retention finger may be created such that temporary, manual retraction of the finger may be performed to ease the installation of a new tape roll.

In certain embodiments, a guide element (not shown) is provided to keep the tape in line between the spindle and the primary- and possibly secondary-adhesion elements. This guidance is achieved in part through the tape retention mechanism, but is aided through the implementation of features that guide the outer edges of the tape. The guide element may one or more rollers that are not part of the tape retention mechanism of the device.

In a further embodiment as best shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the device further comprises a cart-based system 80 that allows the operator to stand up and walk behind the tape dispensing device. The cart based system 80 may have the same components as the hand-held version. In certain embodiments, the front wheels 81 and the centering/tensioning device 83 are separate pieces, as best shown in FIG. 15. The centering/tensioning device 83 on a cart mounted system is such that it will center the cord across the body of the cart, thus allowing for a wide range of tape widths to be used. Alternatively, the centering device 83 could be actuated from the handle 84 such that the cord(s) could be released from the device 83 at the end of a run.

In a still further embodiment, after the tape roll is installed and the tape is initially fed through the tape retention device, it is fed onto a mobile feature that will initiate the taping of the cord. With the actuation of a control on a cart-type device, the tape would be placed over the cord and taping can commence. Alternatively, the free end of the tape, past the tape retention feature, can be manually lined up and pressed into place over the cord to begin taping a new cord.

In some embodiments, multiple tape rolls are used. In further embodiments, the cart could have a structure that will store extra tape rolls on board. For storage concerns, the handle may be able to fold for storage. In a still further embodiment, the cart may have a structure on board that will support and allow unspooling of spools of cable such that cable need not be laid out in front of the cart.

In certain embodiments, the device may only use one tape roll at a time. In such embodiments, the amount of adhesion to the ground is a function of the tape width and the cord(s) that runs underneath it.

In certain situations, it may be more desirable to lay out an effectively wider strip of tape than a single pass will allow. FIG. 17A shows an embodiment where two rolls of tape are used. The tape may be laid in a nearly parallel direction with any amount of overlap 95 from about zero inches to about the full width of the tape. In the case of two inch wide tape, the overlap can run from about zero inches to about 2 inches. It is generally recognized that in these situations with two rolls of tape, leaving a gap between the two strips does not fulfill the end goal of securing the cord to the ground safely. This technique of overlapping multiple strips of tape can be performed with as many different tape rolls as necessary to achieve the required adhesion to the floor while properly securing the cord(s) underneath.

FIG. 18 shows a further embodiment wherein the device further comprises a multiple tape roll system to facilitate combination of multiple tape rolls to create a composite tape. In one implementation, two 2″ rolls of tape 96 may be overlapped ½″ to create a 3.5″ layer of tape. In other embodiments, best shown in FIG. 17B, three 2″ rolls are used. The middle roll 97 covers the cord 2 and the remaining two extend the shoulders that are attached to the ground 93. It can be seen that extensions of this overlapping technique can be extended to include any reasonable width of tape from about 1 inch to about 3 inches. Other widths are possible.

In certain embodiments, the multiple tape roll system is created such that the user can adjust the overlap of multiple rolls of tape. FIG. 18 shows one implementation where the multiple tape roll system is made up of a series of spindles 91, each created to allow the operator to reposition the alignment rings 92. The alignment rings 92 can be locked into place through either coupling to mating geometry on the spindles 91 themselves, or through infinitely adjustable means, such as through clamps similar to those used on weightlifting bars. It is important to note that the usage of multiple spindles can be applied to any embodiment of a tape dispensing system including but not limited to hand held and cart based solutions.

Multiple tape rolls and spindles may be in place, but not every tape roll need be used while taping down a cord. The choice can be made on a cord-by-cord basis based on the size of the cord and the tripping risk. Other taping patterns regarding the relative positions of the tape strips can be imagined and are extensions the patterns described within. Additionally, the tape rolls that are installed do not need to be consistent among the installed rolls. For instance, one roll may be 2 inches wide and the other 3 inches.

One embodiment of the hand-held system, that can be extended to include both cart-type devices, can be seen in FIGS. 19 and 20, with additional views in FIGS. 21, 22, and 23. FIG. 24 shows a sketch of the functional components of a further embodiment. In FIG. 24, the direction of travel is determined to be along the arrow E. The tape roll 100d rests on the spindle which is connected to the frame such that operator input from the handle 700 will cause tape to unroll from the tape roll 100d. This unrolling tape passes through the tape retention device 800 and meets the cord as it passes from the opening of the cord guidance system 900 through the guide rails 901 to the guide gap 902. In certain embodiments, the separation device (not shown) is located within the guide gap 902. After passing through the guide gap 902, the cord and tape are further attached by the primary-adhesion element 600. In some embodiments, there is also a secondary-adhesion element after the primary-adhesion element 600. As can be seen in FIG. 25, after passing through the primary-adhesion element 600, the cord is adhered to the floor with the cord underneath it.

In one implementation, the spindle is placed at the beginning of the train of components and holds the tape in place. The tape retention mechanism is located after the spindle in such a location that the adhesive surface of the tape is in contact with the retention finger rather than the retention feature. The separation portion of the device can be located in between any of the components or after the primary adhesion stage. The primary adhesion stage is last in the train of component unless a secondary-adhesion stage or the separation stage is placed afterwards. Tape guidance features guide the tape between the roll on the spindle and primary-adhesion element. Cord guidance ends close to the primary-adhesion portion of the device. It begins at the outer extent of the device in the direction of travel. The tensioning portion of the device can be located along any part of the cord guidance feature.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, persons skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A tape dispensing device comprising:

(a) at least one spindle capable of supporting at least one tape roll;

(b) a tape diverter, capable of diverting tape from said tape roll;

(c) at least one handle fixedly connected to the spindle;

(d) a first adhesion element, configured to adhere tape to a surface;

(e) a cord guide configured to center a cord with respect to the tape;

(f) a first roller configured to facilitate movement across the surface;

(g) a second roller configured to facilitate movement across the surface

(h) a cutter, for cutting the tape; and

(i) a tape retention mechanism configured to retain a strip of unrolled tape.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the handle is configured to allow a user to push or pull the device.

3. The device of claim 1, further comprising a cord tensioner.

4. The device of claim 1, further comprising a second adhesion element.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein said first adhesion element is a bristle assembly.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein said bristle assembly is configured in a substantially triangular orientation.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein said first adhesion element is a roller.

8. The device of claim 1, further comprising a cart.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein the cart allows the user to push or pull the tape dispensing device in an upright position.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein the spindle is configured to support multiple tape rolls.